36: Face value.

The next match was highly anticipated. Rai Kan's name echoed through the arena, but this time it was paired with a formidable opponent: Baek Sen of the Fist Sect. The crowd murmured in excitement and curiosity. Baek Sen was known for his arrogance and unyielding defense, his "Iron Hide" technique making him nearly invincible. As both contenders stepped into the ring, the air was thick with anticipation.

Baek Sen, tall and muscular with a smirk plastered on his face, eyed Rai Kan with disdain. "So, the commoner dares to face me," he mocked, his voice dripping with condescension. "You've been lucky so far, but your luck ends here."

Rai Kan remained silent, his expression stoic. He remembered his promise to Hi Ho: to hold back and not cause unnecessary harm. However, he could feel the irritation bubbling within him at Baek Sen's arrogance. He couldn't let this distraction affect his focus.

The referee signaled the start of the match, and Rai Kan immediately went on the offensive. His movements were swift and precise, delivering a series of powerful blows aimed at Baek Sen. However, Baek Sen stood his ground, his mocking grin never wavering. Each of Rai Kan's strikes seemed to bounce off him, the "Iron Hide" technique living up to its reputation.

With a sneer, Baek Sen retaliated, his fist colliding with Rai Kan's torso and sending him flying to the edge of the ring. "You call that an attack?" Baek Sen taunted. "My Iron Hide is impenetrable. Your commoner techniques are useless against me."

Hi Ho watched from the sidelines, a worried look on his face. He knew how dangerous Baek Sen could be, but his concern was not for Rai Kan's safety. Sect Master Li Feng noticed his expression and tried to reassure him. "Rai Kan will be alright, Hi Ho. He's faced tougher opponents."

Hi Ho shook his head. "I'm not worried about Rai Kan's safety."

Li Feng raised an eyebrow. "Then what concerns you?"

Hi Ho sighed. "Rai Kan takes everything at face value. When he promised to hold back, he doesn't have a clear idea of what 'holding back' means. And right now, Baek Sen is digging his own grave by boasting that nothing Rai Kan does affects him."

One of the elders accompanying Li Feng leaned in. "Do you mean to say…"

Hi Ho interrupted, his voice somber. "At best, Baek Sen will walk away with some broken bones. At worst, the Fist Sect will be holding a funeral."

Back in the ring, Rai Kan's mind raced. He had to find a way to bypass Baek Sen's defense without causing too much harm. "Is what you said true?" Rai Kan asked, his voice calm.

Baek Sen scoffed. "Of course it is. If you're scared, you can tap out now."

Rai Kan's eyes narrowed. "Perfect."

Baek Sen barely had time to register the word before Rai Kan closed the distance between them with incredible speed. "Mountain Fist!" Rai Kan shouted, his fist slamming into Baek Sen's torso with an explosive boom. A cloud of dust enveloped the arena, and when it cleared, the crowd gasped at the sight.

Baek Sen was kneeling at the edge of the ring, coughing up blood. His expression was a mixture of pain and disbelief. "You… you were holding back?" he spat, fury in his eyes.

Rai Kan nodded, his face emotionless. "I've been holding back in all my matches."

Baek Sen's anger reached a boiling point. "A mere commoner dared to hold back against me?" he roared, his aura flaring around his fists, giving them an ethereal hue. "I'll make you regret that!"

Ignoring Baek Sen's tantrum, Rai Kan calmly approached him. As Baek Sen's aura convulsed and his fists swung with rage, Rai Kan dodged each attack effortlessly. He could see the desperation in Baek Sen's eyes, the realization that his invincibility was an illusion.

With a swift movement, Rai Kan kicked Baek Sen in the chin, sending him flying upwards. Baek Sen spun in mid-air, using his speed to launch a flurry of attacks from all directions. His fists seemed to blur as they struck at Rai Kan, but each blow was met with indifference. Rai Kan could see through the frenzy; Baek Sen was fighting like a cornered animal, lashing out wildly.

"This is pathetic," Rai Kan thought, frustration evident on his face. "I came here for a real fight, not to watch a man-child throw a tantrum."

"Devil Spear," Rai Kan whispered, his voice low but filled with power. He jabbed forward with a blinding speed, his fist piercing through Baek Sen's defense and striking his stomach. The impact was devastating, and Baek Sen crumpled to the ground, clutching his abdomen in agony.

The crowd fell silent, the realization of what had just transpired sinking in. Baek Sen lay on the ground, gasping for breath, his eyes filled with pain and humiliation. Rai Kan stood over him, his expression unreadable.

"You lost because of your arrogance," Rai Kan said softly. "Remember that."

The referee rushed in, declaring Rai Kan the winner. As medics tended to Baek Sen, the audience slowly began to murmur, their shock turning into admiration for Rai Kan's prowess. Hi Ho watched from the sidelines, a mixture of relief and pride on his face. He knew Rai Kan had held back, but seeing the extent of his power was always awe-inspiring.

Sect Master Li Feng turned to Hi Ho, a thoughtful look on his face. "Your friend is quite extraordinary, Hi Ho. His strength is matched only by his sense of restraint."

Hi Ho nodded. "He's had to learn control the hard way, Sect Master. But he's a good person at heart."

Li Feng smiled. "I can see that. He has a long and challenging path ahead, but I believe he will navigate it well."

As Rai Kan left the ring, he glanced up at the stands, meeting Hi Ho's gaze. Hi Ho gave him a reassuring nod, and Rai Kan felt a sense of calm wash over him. He knew he had a long way to go, but with Hi Ho by his side, he was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.

The tournament continued, but the memory of Rai Kan's match lingered in the minds of everyone present. His display of strength and restraint had left a lasting impression, and many wondered what heights he would reach in the future.

For Rai Kan, the journey was far from over. Each battle was a step towards becoming stronger, not just in body, but in spirit. And with each step, he moved closer to uncovering the true potential that lay within him.